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Meeting Details

Health & Wellbeing Scrutiny Panel - up to 15 May 2022
25 Nov 2021 - 10:00 to 12:52
Scheduled
  • Documents
  • Attendance
  • Visitors
  • Declarations of Interests

Documents

Agenda

Standard Items

**A pre meeting for Members to prepare for the Panel will take place 45 minutes before the meeting**


The Press and Public are welcome to attend for the
consideration of any items which are public.




Members of the Health & Wellbeing Scrutiny Panel

Councillor Paton (Chair), Councillors Mrs Finlayson (Vice-Chair), Glover, Mrs McKerrell, Shepherd, Sunter, Mrs Tarbitt, Miss Whalen.

Substitutes:

Alcroft, Atkinson, Bainbridge, Birks, Mrs Bowman, Brown, Collier, Ms Ellis-Williams, Mrs Glendinning, Lishman, Meller, Mrs Mitchell, Mitchelson, Morton, Ms Patrick, Robson, Miss Sherriff, Southward, Dr Tickner, and Tinnion.

Public Items
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
To receive apologies for absence and notification of substitutions
HWSP.70/21
An apology for absence was submitted on behalf of Councillor Mrs Valerie Tarbitt. 
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Members are invited to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests, other registrable interests and any interests, relating to any items on the agenda at this stage.
HWSP.71/21
In accordance with the Council's Code of Conduct, Councillor Glover declared an interest in relation to agenda item A.3 - Tullie House Business Plan 2021 - 2030 (22/23 revision).  The interest related to his being appointed by the Council as of Trustee of Tullie House. 
PUBLIC AND PRESS
To agree that the items of business within Part A of the agenda should be dealt with in public and that the items of business within Part B of the agenda should be dealt with in private.
HWSP.72/21
RESOLVED - It was agreed that the items of business in Part A be dealt with in public and
items of business in Part B be dealt with in private.

To note that Council, at its meeting of 9 November 2021, received and adopted the minutes of the meeting held on 2 September 2021. 
[Copy minutes in Minute Book 48(3)]. 

The Chair will move the minutes of the meeting held on 14 October 2021 as a correct record.  The only part of the minutes that may be discussed is their accuracy. 
(Copy minutes herewith)

HWSP.73/21
RESOLVED - 1) It was noted that Council, on 9 November 2021, received and adopted the
minutes of the meeting held on 2 September 2021. The Chair signed the minutes.
2) That the minutes of the meeting held on 14 October 2021 be agreed.
A.1 CALL-IN OF DECISIONS

To consider any matter which has been the subject of call-in.

 

HWSP.74/21
Thee were no items which had been the subject of call-in.
Portfolio:   Environment and Transport
Directorate:   Community Services
Officer: Darren Crossley, Deputy Chief Executive
Report: CS.43/21 herewith
Background:
The Deputy Chief Executive to submit a report on the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIPS) and the Hadrian's Wall Cycling and Walking Corridor Project. 

Why is this item on the agenda?
Item included in the Panel's Work Programme. 

What is the Panel being asked to do?
- Note the content of the report regarding the ongoing work to develop the Carlisle Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan and to develop the Hadrian's Wall Cycling and Walking Project;
- Submit relevant comments to Cumbria County Council on the Carlisle LCWIP Public consultation. 
HWSP.75/21

The Panel welcomed Ms Parker from Cumbria County Council to the meeting.

The City Engineer submitted the Local Cycling Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) and the Hadrian's Wall Cycling and Walking Corridor Project (CS.43/21).  The report provided details of the LCWIP proposals which were currently the subject of public consultation. The report was a final opportunity to comment on the proposals before the final plan was prepared early next year.

The second project was a plan to develop the Hadrian’s Wall Cycling and Walking Route between Millom and Gilsland. The aim was to provide a route which was off-road wherever feasible. Details were currently being developed and further details would be presented as they developed. At this stage outline proposals are being presented.

Ms Parker gave a presentation to the Panel setting out the national and local context; the national vision and benefits of cycling and walking; details of cycle design standards; details of the Cumbria Transport Infrastructure Plan and how this fit in with the cycling and walking vision; the Cycling and Walking Programme and background information on LCWIPs.  The presentation then detailed the LCWIPs plans for the area along with the consultation process and timeline for delivery in Carlisle.

Ms Parker went on to detail the Hadrian's Walking Cycling and Walking Project including the objectives; progress and timeline.  The presentation also highlighted funding opportunities for both projects and how they would be promoted.

In considering the report and presentation Members raised the following comments and questions:

- Had consideration been given to the installation of cycle for hire at the railway station?

Ms Parker responded that the idea was being looked into and storage may also be available. 

- Where could local businesses find out about cycle network connectivity gaps?

- Ms Parker advised that the information was available on Cumbria County Council's website along with a contact email address for enquiries. 

- The East / West cross county connectivity only referred to the A66, where there plans to include the A69 / A689?

Ms Parker stated that the strategic corridors including East / West were currently evolving and invited the Member to feed his comments into the LCWIP consultation via the City Engineer.

- Was data available on the numbers using cycle lanes in the city?

Ms Parker responded that census data provided an average figure in comparison to national average date, but in order to get more up to date information, counting equipment would need to be installed on the cycle ways. 

- Was there any discussions taking place with other authorities to create cycle connectivity beyond the county?

Ms Parker advised that Officers within the Borderlands Partnership held regular meetings, it was possible that some of the Partnership's projects may include cycle parking provision. 

The Member welcomed the plans for segregated cycles lanes as they would make people feel safer and hopefully increase usage.  

- What consultation had been undertaken with disability groups?

Notification of the consultation had been circulated to disability groups.  Government strategy stated that cycling provision had to be accessible for all, consideration was currently been given to the types of improvements needed which would require additional engagement with the appropriate groups.  

In response to a comment from the Leader about the need to incorporate maintenance of the existing cycle paths, the Environment and Transport Portfolio Holder stated that government funding was able to be used to bring the existing network in line with current standards as that would assist in the creation of a coherent network.  

A Member felt that the LCWIP would provide a key role in supporting Carlisle as a place, he suggested that the Panel consider scrutinising how Carlisle as a place could be supported along with its residents. 

The Chair thanked Ms Parker for her presentation. 

RESOLVED - The Panel noted the contents of report CS.43/21 and associated presentation regarding the ongoing work to develop the Carlisle Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan and to develop the Hadrian's wall Cycling and Walking Project.

Portfolio: Culture, Heritage and Leisure
Directorate:   Community Services
Officer: Darren Crossley, Deputy Chief Executive
Report: CS.44/21 herewith
Background:
The Deputy Chief Executive to submit a report introducing the Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery Trust Business Plan 2021 - 2030.  This matter was considered by the Executive on 25 October 2021.  Representatives of Tullie House will attend the meeting.  

Why is this item on the agenda?
Annual scrutiny of the Business Plan.  The matter is a Key Decision included in the Notice of Executive Key Decisions (KD.24/21).

What is the Panel being asked to do?
Consider the report and proposed Business Plan and provide feedback to the Executive.  
HWSP.76/21
The Chair welcomed Mr Mackay, Ms Proud and Ms Smalley from Tullie House to the meeting.

The Health and Wellbeing Manager submitted report CS.44/21, the purpose of which was to introduce and allow consideration of the Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery Trust 2022/23 Business Plan in order that the Council may, in due course, agree core funding for the Trust. That was in line with Section 5 of the Partnership Agreement between the Council and Tullie House Trust, which stated that the Business Plan submitted by the Trust should be used as the basis for agreeing future years funding.

Details of the background position; core grant; lease arrangements; building and collection financial implications; impact of COVID-19 and impact of the proposals put forward by Tullie House Trust were provided within the report.

The Executive had considered the matter at its meeting on 25 October 2021 (EX.118/21 referred) and referred the report to the Panel for their review and recommendations.

Mr Mackay advised that the Business Plan as presented in the report had been predicated on the securing of £21.4M of grant funding for the capital development scheme Project Tullie, however, the application had been unsuccessful.  Accordingly, the Trustees intended to develop a new Business Plan.  

2022/23 was the second in a three year reduction of the grant funding received from the Council.  In order to address the reduced level of monies from the Council, Tullie House Trust had taken steps to increase income and reduce costs in relation to its management fee.  The restrictions placed on the facility in relation to Covid 19 had also had a negative impact, whilst restrictions were now lifted visitor number had not yet returned to the same level as they had been pre-pandemic.  The facility was now only opening 6 days per week; without securing additional funding it was possible that a further reduction in opening hours would be needed.  Mr Mackay stated that in order for the Trust to remain financially stable it may need to use its reserves, secure additional capital development grant funding or match funding from the Council.  The Trust proposed that the revenue funding from the Council be reduced annually by £200,000 rather than the £300,000 put forward by the authority.  


In considering the report and presentation Members raised the following comments and questions:

- Why was the Guildhall not open to the public

Mr Mackay advised that there were a number of structural and DDA non-compliance issues that meant that the facility could not be open to the public.  The Heritage Officer had latterly undertaken a visit to the site which was an important Listed Building feature within the city; a further meeting with a group of Conservation Officers was scheduled for early in the new year, and it was hoped that solutions would be identified that would enable the Guildhall to be publicly accessible in the future.  

- Was there any government funding that the Trust may access, perhaps in relation to Covid 19

Mr Mackay responded that the Trust had received some Covid 19 funding from government, however, such monies were disbursed at a sector level rather than to individual facilities.  The Trust was part of the Destination strand of the Borderlands project, it was hoped some investment may be forthcoming from that involvement. 

Following a question from a member of the Executive to Tullie House discussion arose as to the role of Executive members in Scrutiny meetings.  Further discussion then ensued between some members of the Panel and the Executive regarding the history of decision making in respect of the level of funding support the Council provided to Tullie House.   

- What measures were Tullie House Trust taking in respect of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Cumbria

Mr Mackay advised that he was having regular contact with Officers on the matter.  

The Deputy Chief Executive added that legal contracts existed between the Tullie House Trust and the Council, as part of LGR, the appropriate legal processes would be enacted to ensure the proper transfer of the Trust to the new local authority. 

RESOLVED - That the Panel had received report CS.44/21 and the proposed Business Plan.

A.4 BUDGET 2022/23 - 2026/27
Portfolio: Finance, Governance and Resources; Culture, Heritage and Leisure;
Communities, Health and Wellbeing; and, Environment and Transport
Directorate:   Finance and Resources
Officer: Alison Taylor, Corporate Director of Finance and Resources
Report: Members are reminded that the Budget Book was issued to all Members on
12 November 2021 and Members are asked to bring it to the meeting. 
The Executive Decisions from its meeting of 22 November will be tabled at the meeting. 

Please Note: the page numbers listed below refer to the Budget Book not the Scrutiny Document Pack. 

Revenue Budget Reports:
(a) Budget Update - Revenue Estimates
Report: RD.46/21 Pages 1 - 28
Officer: Alison Taylor, Corporate Director of Finance and Resources

Background:
To consider the new revenue spending pressures and additional income which fall within the area of responsibility of this Panel. 

- Cremator Replacement Reserve Pages 3, 12, 20, 23
- Leisure Contract Variation Pages 7, 17
- Pest Control Page 8, 17
- Homeless Accommodation Page 8
- Waverly Viaduct Reserve Pages 12, 20, 25
- Cemetries Perpetuity Pages 13, 27
- Local Distress Page 13
- Revenue Bequests - District Nursing Pages 13, 28
- Tullie House Page 17
- Grants to Carlisle and Eden MIND Page 17
- Leisure Contract Subsidy Page 17
- Environmental Clean Up 
 & Enforcement Page 17

(b) Individual Charges Reviews- 
Background: 
To consider and comment on the review of charges in respect of the following areas within the remit of this Panel. 

Community Services
Report: CS.37/21
Officer: Darren Crossley, Deputy Chief Executive

- Allotments Pages 31, 34, 41
- Use of Parks Pages 32, 42
- Football Pitches Pages 32, 34, 43
- Talkin Tarn Pages 32, 44
- Bereavement Services Page 32, 34, 45
- Waste Services Page 33
- Garages Pages 33, 34
- Enforcement Pages 34, 50

Economic Development
Report: ED.39/21
Officer: Jane Meek, Corporate Director of Economic Development 

- Shopmobility Page 57, 62

Governance and Regulatory Services
Report: GD.55/21
Officer: Mark Lambert, Corporate Director of Governance and Regulatory Services

- Environmental Health and Housing 
  Pages 66 - 68, 76, 79 - 87
- Homeless, prevention and Accommodation Services
Pages 69, 77, 88


(c) Revised Capital Programme 2021/22 and Provisional Capital Programme 2022/23 to 2026/27
Report: RD.47/21 Pages 117 - 128
Officer: Alison Taylor, Corporate Director of Finance and Resources

- Vehicles and Plant Page 120
- Disabled Facilities Grants Pages 120, 122, 126
- Leisure Facilities Page 120
- Recycling Facilities Page 120
- Crematorium Infrastructure Pages 120, 126
- Cemetery Infrastructure Pages 126
- Skew Bridge Deck Page 126
- Play Area Improvements Page 126
- On Street Charging Points Infrastructure Page 126
- LED Footway Lighting Page 126
- Rough Sleepers Page 126
- Vehicles, Plant and Equipment Page 126
- Recycling Containers Page 126
- Swifts Wildlife Haven Page 126
- Bitts Park Water Feature Page 126
- Bitts Park Public Realm Page 126 - Footway Lighting Melbourne Park Page 126 - Empty Property Grants Page 126
- Tullie House Levelling Up Fund Page 126
HWSP.77/21

The Corporate Director of Finance and Resources submitted the annual budget reports, noting that the Panel’s consideration marked the beginning of the process for setting and approving the Council’s Budget.  

Portfolio:   Finance, Governance and Resources
Directorate:   Governance and Regulatory Services
Officer:  Amelia Morphet, Principal Health and Housing Officer 
Report: GD.70/21 herewith
Background:
The Corporate Director of Governance and Regulatory Services to submit a report asking for the approval of the revision of the Housing Renewal Assistance Policy to revise the discretionary housing funding available through the Disabled Facilities Grants. 

Why is this item on the agenda?
The matter is a Key Decision and is included in the Notice of Executive Key Decisions (KD.20/21) and was considered by the Executive at its meeting of 25 October 2021. 

What is the Panel being asked to do?
Consider the proposed revised Housing Renewal Assistance Policy in Appendix 1, in accordance with the Council's Budget and Policy Framework. 



HWSP.83/21
The Principal Health and Housing Officer presented a review of the existing Regulatory Reform Order (RRO) Housing Renewal Assistance Policy which was last updated in 2018 and approved by Council in January 2019. Revisions had been necessary to ensure the Housing Renewal Assistance Policy was fit for purpose as an offer for residents and reflected the current demands on the service. The revised Policy had been attached to report GD.70/21 as an appendix.

The Executive had considered the matter at their meeting on 25 October 2021 (EX.115/21 referred) and resolved:
"That the Executive:
i) had considered the proposed revised Housing Renewal Assistance Policy 2022 (appendix 1 of report GD.70/21)
ii) referred the said Policy to the Health and Wellbeing Scrutiny Panel for consideration in accordance with the Council's Budget and Policy Framework;
ii) that the City Council used its discretionary powers under the Regulatory Reform Order to further broaden the scope of the Disabled facilities grants (DFGs) and allow specific DFG funding to be used for grants to assist the elderly, disable or other vulnerable groups to live independently and to improve their living conditions and well-being. Specifically, minor works that supports ill health prevention, promote independence and delay transfer into care."

In considering the report Members raised the following comments and questions:
A Member commended the support the Council provided to those requiring an adaptation to their property upon leaving hospital, he asked how quickly the service was able to respond to such requests. 

The Principal Health and Housing Officer reported that such requests were dealt with as a priority, and often required liaison with external bodies such as Adult Social Care, as such response times varied; she provided an example where such a request had been responded to and the adaptation installed within a week. 

RESOLVED - That the Panel had received the proposed revised Housing Renewal Assistance Policy 2022 in appendix 1 of report GD.70/21 in accordance with the Council's Budget and Policy Framework.
 
Portfolio:   Environment and Transport
Directorate:   Governance and Regulatory Services
Officer:  Amelia Morphet, Principal Health and Housing Officer
Report:  GD.83/21 herewith
Background:
The Corporate Director of Governance and Regulatory Services to submit a report setting out the latest review of air quality in the District. 

Why is this item on the agenda
Item included on Panel's Work Programme. 

What is the Panel being asked to do
Consider the most recent air quality monitoring data. 
HWSP.84/21

The Principal Health and Housing Officer presented the latest review and and assessment of air quality in the District (GD.83/21).  The report discussed the 4-declared air quality management areas (AQMAs) and the most recent data from the Annual Status Report 2021, which covered data collected during 2020.

The Chair asked whether the lifting of Covid 19 restrictions was likely to lead to increased levels of air pollution

The Principal Health and Housing Officer responded that there were differing views on what impact the lifting of restrictions would create as working patterns were now changed for many people.  In addition the phasing out of older diesel engine vehicles would generate a decrease in emissions.  

RESOLVED - That the Panel had received the most recent air quality monitoring data (GD.83/21).

Portfolio: Finance, Governance and Resources
Directorate:   Community Services
Officer: Gary Oliver, Policy and Performance Officer
Report: PC.38/21 herewith
Background:
The Policy and Communications Manager to submit the Quarter 2 performance against current Service Standards and a summary of the Carlisle Plan actions as defined in the 'plan on a page'. Performance against the Panel's Key Performance Indicators are also included.  

Why is this item on the agenda?
Quarterly performance monitoring report. 

What is the Panel being asked to do?
Scrutinise the performance of the City Council with a view to seeking continuous improvement in how the Council delivers its priorities. 
HWSP.85/21
The Policy and Performance Officer submitted the Quarter 2 2021/22 performance against the current Service Standards and a summary of the Carlisle Plan 2021-23 actions as defined in the Plan. Performance against the Panel’s 2021/22 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) were also included (PC.38/21). 

In response to a question from a Member regarding the impact of the shortage of HGV drivers in respect of refuse collection vehicles, the Environment and Transport Portfolio Holder advised that the service remained short of 1 driver, but he hoped that levels of service would return to normal in the near future. 

RESOLVED - 1) That report PC.38/21 be noted.

A.8 Pdf OVERVIEW REPORT (203Kb)
Portfolio: Cross Cutting
Directorate:   Cross Cutting
Officer: Rowan Jones, Overview and Scrutiny Officer
Report: OS.27/21 herewith
Background:
To consider a report providing an overview of matters related to the work of the Health and Wellbeing Scrutiny Panel. 

Why is this item on the agenda?
The Health and Wellbeing Scrutiny Panel operates within a Work Programme which is set for the 2021/22 municipal year.  The Programme is reviewed at every meeting so that it can be adjusted to reflect the wishes of the Panel and take into account items relevant to this Panel in the latest Notice of Executive Key Decisions. 

What is the Panel being asked to do?
- Note the items (within Panel remit) on the most recent Notice of Executive Key Decisions;
- Discuss the Work Programme and prioritise as necessary.  






HWSP.86/21
The Overview and Scrutiny Officer submitted report OS.27/21 providing an overview of matters relating to the work of the Health and Wellbeing Scrutiny Panel.  Further to the publication of the report a further Notice of Executive Key Decisions had been published on 19 November 2021 it contained no items that fell within the remit of the Panel.

RESOLVED - 
That the Overview Report incorporating the Work Programme and Key Decision items relevant to the Health and Wellbeing Scrutiny Panel be noted (OS.27/21).
Exempt Items

-NIL-

Enquiries, requests for reports, background papers etc to: 
committeeservices@carlisle.gov.uk

Attendance

Name
No other member attendance information has been recorded for the meeting.
NameReason for Sending ApologySubstituted By
Councillor Mrs Valerie Tarbitt Councillor John Richard Collier
NameReason for AbsenceSubstituted By
No absentee information has been recorded for the meeting.

Declarations of Interests

Member NameItem Ref.DetailsNature of DeclarationAction
No declarations of interest have been entered for this meeting.

Visitors

Also Present: Ms Parker, Cumbria County Council
  Mr Mackay, Tullie House
  Ms Smalley, Tullie House

  Councillor J Mallinson, Leader
  Councillor Ellis, Finance, Governance and Resources Portfolio Holder
                        Councillor Mrs Mallinson, Communities, Health and Wellbeing Portfolio
                        Holder
                        Councillor Christian, Environment and Transport
  Councillor Nedved, Economy, Enterprise and Housing
                        Councillor Higgs, Culture Heritage and Leisure Portfolio Holder

Officers: Deputy Chief Executive
Corporate Director of Finance and Resources
City Engineer
Health and Wellbeing Manager
Neighbourhood Services Manager
Principal Health and Housing Officer